Russia Sets Flexible Degree Lengths as Leading Universities Shift in 2026–27
The ministry says tailored timelines will better match training depth to labor demand.
Overview
- Leading universities will begin transitioning in the 2026–2027 academic year to a system that drops a single standard duration.
- Basic higher-education programs will span four to six years, with master's degrees set at one to three years.
- Typical tracks include five years for engineers, doctors and teachers, four years for tourism and hospitality, and six years for the most complex science‑intensive fields.
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology says it can admit students to new programs from September 1, 2026, pending the ministry’s final decision.
- Officials also propose longer study for Oriental studies and African studies due to subject complexity.